miami beach history

Exterior of Jungle Inn in 1921

Miami Beach’s First Speakeasy Raided in 1921

In February of 1921, Miami Beach was incorporated as a city for less than four years. Following the incorporation of Miami Beach as a town in March of 1915, the citizens of the Town of Miami Beach formally became the…


Mug Shot of Capone's Arrest in Miami in May of 1930.

Al Capone in Miami – Part 3 of 4

For the first time in his life, Capone was serving time in jail. His sentence began in May of 1929 and by the spring of 1930 his jail time was approaching its end. After multiple attempts to appeal his year…


Ocean Beach Realty Company where Miami Beach was Incorporated

Incorporation of Miami Beach in 1915

On March 26, 2015, Miami Beach will celebrate the centennial of its first incorporation date. Since 1915, Miami Beach has become one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the United States. At one time, it was referred to as…


Allison Hospital in 1926

Allison Island and St. Francis Hospital

Following the closing of The Aquarium in April of 1923, James Allison still had plenty to keep him busy. While technically retired, Allison still operated Allison Engineering and ran the Indianapolis 500. He traveled frequently between Miami Beach and Indianapolis….


The Aquarium on Miami Beach

The Aquarium – An Early Miami Beach Tourist Attraction

On March 26th in 2015, Miami Beach will be celebrating its centennial. During the celebration of 100 years since incorporation, Carl Fisher will be celebrated as the visionary and builder of early Miami Beach. While Fisher was not alone in…